Contradicting a stubborn relative will cause fireworks. That's a good thing. You're tired of going along with a lie that has protected someone from accepting the consequences of their actions. The sooner you speak the truth, the better. Several family members will be upset by your behaviour. This can't be helped. An innocent victim is being blamed for someone else's bad conduct. Healing can't occur until everybody knows what really happened.

Your attempts to create a peaceful atmosphere will be ruined by a quarrelsome relative. It's time to question whether this troublemaker should be invited to more functions. You want to bring everyone together in a spirit of harmony, but this isn't possible when one individual keeps creating dissention. Discuss the matter with people who have been targeted by this pest. If you can't come to an agreement on whether this family member should be included, think about bowing out of further gatherings.

It won't be possible to exercise your independence. You'll either have to go along with the game or leave a restrictive job. Unfortunately, this is not the best time to go solo. It's better to grit your teeth and play by the rules than go into debt. Eventually, your employment prospects will improve. At that point, you will be free to explore more rewarding opportunities. That isn't an option now. Find an outlet for your frustrations. Exercise can relieve a great deal of tension.

You're not especially adamant on imposing rules as long as people can do their jobs efficiently. Your employer has a different philosophy. Although it pains you to do so, you will have to enforce some tight restrictions on your team. It's important to explain you have faith in their abilities. If a few people leave for greener pastures, wish them well. These defections can make a compelling case for adopting a more free-wheeling management style. Nobody likes to be micromanaged.

Beware of putting your faith in a charismatic cultural leader. Every one of us is flawed. When it comes to making decisions, it's better to obey your own conscience. Following someone who seems to have all the answers will lead to regret. It's one thing to project an image of self-confidence to the world. It's another to go home and deal with real life problems. Remember this the next time you catch yourself admiring someone who seems flawless. Nobody is perfect; some of us just hide our faults better.

Don't reveal too much about your personal life in mixed company. You don't want to give a hidden rival any ammunition against you. Someone who behaves in a friendly fashion does not have your best interests at heart. They're looking for the first opportunity to depict you in a negative light. The only thing you have done to earn their scorn is to be more talented. Continue to keep your private and professional lives strictly separate. If other colleagues divulge secrets, smile, nod and remain silent.

You hate being pigeon holed. Instead of being confined to a narrow role, you want to expand your horizons. Your business or romantic partner won't allow it. They're afraid you will become too independent once you realise how many options are available. Instead of staying in line, have an honest discussion. Explain you have no intention of abandoning your relationship unless it becomes too oppressive. If you don't have the freedom to explore, it's not worth maintaining.

It will be difficult to maintain an extreme diet or exercise regime. When it comes to achieving fitness, slow and steady wins the race. Instead of cutting out sweets altogether, prepare healthy snacks that satisfy your palette. The fewer cravings you have, the easier it will be to choose nutritious alternatives to junk food. If you want to become more active, start slow. Gentle stretching, swimming and walking are good ways to improve circulation without putting undue strain on your heart.

Your romantic life isn't very exciting. Instead of blaming your partner (or lack thereof), turn your attention inward. What are things you can do to become more fully invested in life? When is the last time you enjoyed your favourite hobby? How have you used routine as a substitute for adventure? The sooner you start devoting more time to the activities that make you happy, the easier it will be to find the love you've always wanted. Put work on the back burner.

Just because your family has always observed certain traditions doesn't mean you should. Develop your own moral code. If this means adopting a different lifestyle or converting to another religion, so be it. Relocating to a different part of the world and pursuing a different career are other possibilities. The important thing is to stop worrying what others will think of your choices. You owe it to yourself to trust your instincts. Obeying your heart's desire will give you an attractive glow that is hard to resist.

It will be difficult to get a bold idea across to a critical audience. No matter how many facts and figures you have to bolster your case, people won't support you. Change is often a scary prospect, especially for people who have time and money invested in the existing system. Those who are being harmed by the current arrangement are afraid they'll suffer even larger losses after undergoing a transition. Be gracious if your request is refused. It's important to maintain good relations.

Trying to buy someone's affection is an exercise in futility. The best way to win a person's heart is by being authentic. Don't be shy about discussing the things that give your life shape and meaning. Spiritual practices, artistic pursuits and close friendships make you excited to wake up in the morning. You'd much rather devote your energy to these things than accumulate lots of status symbols. Pursuit of simple pleasures will put you in the path of someone who shares your values.